ALTON, Ill. — Robert W. Bretz, 56, of Alton, Ill., died on Oct. 29 at his home. Born Jan. 18, 1956 in Oakley, he was the son of Samuel L. Bretz and Alice (Brant) Bretz. In 1981, he received a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Kansas State University. On April 28, 1984, he married Brenda J. Schilling in Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Seward. He worked for the Parkway School District in St. Louis for 18 years in the Facilities Department.
Bob had a love of plants and gardening, always had a building project underway and was an avid Kansas State fan.
Survivors include his wife Brenda Schilling; sister, Pamela S. Secrease and husband Mike of Ponchatoula, La.; brother, John J. Bretz and wife Jeannine of Alton, Ill.; mother-in-law Rita Schilling of Seward; sister-in-laws Susan Schilling (Bob Huerter) of Larned, Barbara Schilling of Lawrence, Linda (David) Neeland of Radium, and Debbie (Scott) Purrington of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; 13 nieces and nephews; and five great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Alice; father-in-law Homer Schilling; and nephew Brian Secrease.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Minnis Chapel in St. John. Burial will be at the Eden Valley Cemetery in Stafford County. Deacon John Bretz will preside. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to 5-As, Alton Area Animal Aid Association or any no-kill animal shelter of your choosing.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel*
526 E. 4th
Box 34
St. John, KS 67576
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 31, 2012